Seoul – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) announced the five winners of the Discovery Channel Korea First Time Filmmakers (FTFM) Korea initiative, a project designed to help develop the documentary storytelling skills of Korean filmmakers while providing them a platform for their talent. FTFM Korea is a partnership between DNAP and the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO).
The five filmmakers will each be commissioned to produce a 30-minute documentary that tells the story of the ‘Korean dream’ and its different forms as expressed by its people in the 21st century, under the theme ‘Korea Next’. The completed documentaries are scheduled to premiere on Discovery Channel Korea and on DNAP’s networks across Asia Pacific at the end of this year, reaching more than 185 million households in 34 countries.
The five selected filmmakers and their winning ideas are:
- Kim Seung Hee, Royal Cuisine
- Han Sun Hee, Shamans on the Ships
- David Lee, Korea IT Future Service
- Sean Richard, Inside the Korean Wave
- Oh Seok Hoon, Millenary Mysteries Revealed
The judges comprised of producers from Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and Bang Production, as well as representatives from KTO and Central Multi Broadcasting (CMB).
The FTFM initiative represents an ongoing effort by Discovery Channel to support the documentary industry, provide opportunities for non-fiction filmmakers in the region and showcase local stories of culture and people to the world. Since its launch in Asia Pacific in 2000, over 30 first time filmmakers from Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands, South East Asia and China have received international recognition and won several international awards.
